▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅

A fine day had come as the opening of a beloved book, the story ahead one that promised joy and happiness. I read the words inscribed in the book. A person informed us that only an hour was left to reach our destination. I don't know where I would be going to stay, except for the fact the house would be made of mirrors. It sounds strange but Kai never lies to me. I read a few pages of the book, sipping water simultaneously. I had to buy a meal once I reached the place, I said to myself. I looked out of the window to only view the sky which was ever-blue, lined up as the migrating birds flew. I used to stare at the sky watching how the clouds moved slowly, dropping from my school lectures. I never liked going to school. Not just because I had fewer friends, but as there was nothing new to learn. I have never been a fan of filling our cabinets with alphabets that could never be utilised in our lives. I had good grades though, as Kai told me that it might be helpful in future. 

After an hour, I got off the bus. I had never been to this place yet chose it as nobody would think of this place if they searched for me. I stared at my co-passengers getting into taxis. I wished Kai would guide me to a house made of mirrors but he was nowhere to be found. I looked around to find a restaurant, for the moment all I could think of was food. When I'm hungry, I can't think of anything but food. 

I walked into an old-fashioned wooden restaurant. There weren't expensive hoardings. Only a few tables were set around circularly. I glanced across to find an empty table placed at a corner of the room. Ignoring the stares of people I sat on the chair. A boy like me carrying a heavy backpack must be weird for them. Ordering fish along with seasoned vegetables, I decided to go through a few pages of my book. I had enough money to survive for about two months. Before escaping from my house I made sure to pick up things that I would need. I had been preparing for this day for a long time, I knew I would have to run from my place since I was ten years old. I wish I would get successful, I wish those prophecies never come true. 

"So you have finally arrived at this place, young boy. " A wizened face peered out as I lifted my head to look at the person who spoke. I reckon he must be in his seventies because his face is time chiselled and weather-beaten.  At times he can seem a bit spiritless as if life and old age are getting the better of him. His fingers were knotted due to cold weather which seemed like the claws of an eagle. Pursing his lips into a thin line, he sat on the chair before me. 

"So you have finally arrived." He repeated his words which seemed as if he was speaking to himself. 

"Yesterday, I had a strange dream. In the dream, I went to a milkman's shop. Paying him for the milk, I decided to walk around in a park which was about a hundred meters from my home. I am in my seventies and cannot walk much. Tired of all this I sat on one of the chairs present near the slides. That's when a boy, maybe who was thirteen years old, came up to me and handed me a card." He said and paused as he picked up a glass of water with his trembling hands. 

"Was my arrival to this place informed to you in that card? "

"Yes. It was written that a boy about seventeen years old would be waiting for me to guide him at Muggle Corner restaurant. I didn't believe it at first, because it was just a dream." 

" Why did you believe it then?"

"I am an old man, who worked hard during his youth days and now enjoys life with the money I saved then. I have never dreamt such dreams. If the dream was true, which it is, I would have not completed my part of the job. Which could have resulted in sin to be made on my part. I must follow what the Lord tells me or makes me do at this age. He sent me a message through my dream to help you provide a shelter and I would abide by that." 

There was nothing much to discuss. I had my lunch while the old man kept staring at me. Though his mind wandered about anything but me. He was so lost in his chain of thoughts that he did not realise I had finished my food. Picking my backpack and paying bills, I followed the old man. He wasn't making up a story. I did not find him dangerous and even if he would try to harm me, I was strong enough to douge off the old man. 

"Is your house made of mirrors?"

I questioned wanting to confirm whether the old man wasn't making up any stories.

"I have to water my plants. Get in the taxi quickly, young man."

▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅